Updates and Articles

EPA releases Clean Water Act update

On May 27, 2015, the Obama Administration released an update to the Clean Water Act called the Clean Water Rule or the Waters of the U.S. Rule. The rule will better protect water quality, aquatic life and clean drinking water for 1 in 5 Minnesotans by more clearly outlining which streams, lakes and wetlands are protected under the Clean Water Act.

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Good news, bad news in the fight to stop invasive carp (2015)

The closing of Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock is good news for Minnesotans. It will help ensure that invasive carp are not able to migrate upstream of downtown Minneapolis. Unfortunately, last week’s good news for the Mississippi was mired by the bad news about Bighead carp arriving in bigger numbers in the St. Croix River as far north as Stillwater. >>

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The Stop Carp Coalition Minneapolis Lock Party.
Three cheers to Twin Cities youth for painting the town!

Thanks to those who have stenciled with FMR so far this year! New photos have been posted on our Flickr page.

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FMR and allies urge Governor Dayton to veto Environment Budget Bill

Send Governor Dayton a message asking him to veto the Environment budget Bill.

Following a disappointing and chaotic end to the 2015 legislative session, the conservation community is asking Governor Dayton to veto a highly controversial environmental bill. The bill makes deep cuts to environmental spending (24.3%), contains numerous rollbacks to environmental policies, and includes last-minute language violating a universal agreement on biofuels policy.

While the legislature's compromise on a modest stream buffer proposal was among several positive outcomes this year, funding for both the buffer initiative and UofM Forever Green cover crop research failed to pass before the clock ran out. As a result, a special session is almost certain to be scheduled in the coming weeks.

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Did Minnesota's watersheds just fail their midterms?

Minnesota's recently released report, "Swimmable, fishable, fixable? What we’ve learned so far about Minnesota waters", highlights Minnesota's watersheds at the halfway point of our 10-year monitoring cycle. The results show that about half of Minnesota's waters are unfit for safe swimming and fishing.

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Wanted: June prairie & woodland volunteers

Last year, FMR volunteers installed over 5,000 native prairie and woodland plants. These ecological powerhouses filter pollution, reduce erosion and provide much-needed pollinator, bird and wildlife habitat. Join us at one of several June tending events to help these young plants make it through the summer!

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FMR appeals oversized building at Mississippi & Minnesota River confluence

On April 24, 2015, the Saint Paul Planning Commission approved a height variance of 33.5 additional feet for Johnson Brothers’ proposed mixed-use building at 1465 Davern Street which lies within the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area and the National Park boundary. FMR appealed this decision on May 4, 2015 because this development will significantly impact the scenic and historic character of the river valley at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.

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City of Fridley earns the Blue Star Award

Congratulations to the City of Fridley for earning the Blue Star Award for Excellence in Stormwater Management!

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Healthcare antibacterials earn FDA scrutiny

Prompted by a federal lawsuit, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced plans to review the safety and efficacy of antibacterial products (including environmentally risky antibacterial soap) used in the medical industry.

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Bold leadership from Governor Dayton on buffers
Governor Dayton's proposal to establish shoreland buffers along all Minnesota waters will provide habitat for numerous species and pay dividends in improving water quality. Read more

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Upcoming Events

This school year
In your classroom or outside
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 (plus early voting beforehand)
Your polling place
Four options: August 15, September 17, October 5, November 16, 2024
Hidden Falls Regional Park, St. Paul

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.